Local stockist of plastic containers and fittings

Local businesses such as food producers, garages, builders, farms, shops and light manufacturers that need regular supplies at short notice.

You buy in bulk at lower prices and sell in smaller quantities at a margin. Fast delivery, account customers and repeat orders support the price.

• Selling and building trade accounts
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping
• Safe manual handling and driving

• Unit lease terms, business rates and whether the planning use suits storage and trade sales, so check with the landlord and council
• Stock tied up in items that sell slowly, so start with a small range
• Credit risk if you give trade customers payment terms
• Public liability, stock and goods in transit insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Food-contact suitability, product safety and packaging waste rules for the items you sell
• Fire safety and storage rules for large quantities of plastic, so check with your insurer and fire authority
• Check VAT registration as turnover grows

Startup costs are typically around £7,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, opening stock and whether you add a delivery van. Starting with a small range can limit cash tied up in slow-selling items.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on how many trade accounts you win and the range you hold. The estimate starts from about 30 hours a week of work.

Check unit lease terms, business rates and whether planning use suits storage and trade sales. Also check insurance, food-contact suitability, product safety and packaging waste rules, fire safety with your insurer, and VAT registration as turnover grows.